The budget proposed for the 2011-12 fiscal year that begins Oct. 1 shows a $756,952 decrease in spending compared to the current year. That will take Seminole's budget down from its current $15.9 million to about $15.1 million.

More than half of the budget — approximately $8.2 million — is designated for the Fire Department.

The savings come from a variety of factors, said Harry Kyne, the city's budget director. None of the savings will come from layoffs.

A major portion of the savings comes from state-mandated changes to the pension system. In the past, Seminole has paid the full cost, but now employees must pay part of that.

Kyne said officials are replacing the heating and air conditioning system in the recreation center with a more energy-efficient model. The projected savings: $20,000 a year.

But the majority of the savings comes from cutting corners here and there. Saving $400 here and $500 there, Kyne said, adds up to much larger savings.

Seminole's tax rate of $2.47693 per thousand dollars of assessed, taxable value is expected to stay the same.

City taxes on a home valued at $150,000 with $50,000 in homestead exemptions will be about $247.70.

There is a reason why the air in Tampa Bay is filled with playoff talk. If Thursday night's 12-8 Bucs preseason win over the Jaguars is any indication, it's also going to be filled with footballs thrown by quarterback Jameis Winston.